The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is a public, specialized healthcare facility dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care, research, and training services. Established in 1967, it is the leading center for cancer treatment and research in Uganda, located on Upper Mulago Hill Road in Kampala. UCI operates under the Ministry of Health and is affiliated to Makerere University School of Medicine and the Mulago Hospital Complex. The institute is headed by Dr. Jackson Orem, who serves as the Executive Director. It is designated as East Africa’s Centre of Excellence in Oncology.
UCI’s mandate is to fight, prevent, treat, and reduce the cancer burden in Uganda through integrated efforts in cancer control and research, addressing all aspects from primary prevention to survivorship and palliative care. It plays a crucial role in cancer management and focuses on research, training, consultancy, prevention, and treatment in fields such as pediatric oncology, gynecology, radiotherapy, surgery, pharmacy, and bone marrow transplant.
The institute offers a wide range of cancer care services, including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care for both adults and children. Its services encompass radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical oncology, cancer screening, imaging, and cancer information dissemination. UCI provides comprehensive cancer management, covering prevention, screening, risk reduction, and specialty care for newly diagnosed patients and those with advanced cancer.
The institute collaborates with multiple international organizations, such as the National Cancer Institute (USA), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These partnerships have facilitated access to modern equipment, research grants, and training opportunities for Ugandan oncologists. UCI also conducts public cancer awareness and advocacy campaigns, educating the population on cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of regular screenings.
To improve cancer care, UCI has upgraded its diagnostic capabilities, including pathology and imaging services, and expanded its infrastructure. The institute provides postgraduate training in oncology, medical physics, palliative care, and other healthcare professions, which has contributed to an increase in the number of cancer specialists in Uganda and the region.
Despite its growth, UCI faces challenges such as limited funding for procuring drugs and essential supplies, shortage of specialized healthcare professionals, high patient-to-doctor ratios leading to long waiting times, and limited access to cancer drugs, which are often unavailable or too expensive for many patients.